[0001] The present invention is directed to detachable battery packs and battery covers for communication devices, and more particularly to a detachable battery pack or battery cover with a self-contained earphone-microphone earpiece jack for mobile phones.
[0002] The typical mobile or cellular phone has a main unit and a power supply. The main unit has a keypad, a display, and main communication electronics, all contained in a case. Battery contact leads are provided on a back of the main unit. An electrical-communication port for recharging the battery and for connecting the mobile phone to hands-free adapters for use in automobiles is nearly always provided on a side of exterior surface of the case of the main unit, e.g. on a bottom edge of the phone. Often, electrical contacts for the speaker and microphone are also provided on the back of the main unit. However, while some mobile phones have a jack for a headset earphone-microphone, many do not. The power supply, e.g., a battery, can be sealed in a self-contained battery pack which snaps or slides onto a back of the main unit, or can be just be a battery, which is placed in electrical contact with the battery contract leads on the main unit and held in place on the main unit with a battery cover.
[0003] It is often desirable to have a hands-free option on a communication device such as a mobile phone to allow a user to walk freely without holding the mobile handset to his face. Hands-free options often include a hands-free headset with at least one earphone speaker adapted to fit into or around a user's ear and a microphone receiver that is able to pick up a user's voice. The headset has a cord that with a terminating plug which can be plugged into a jack on the main body of the mobile phone. Again, while some mobile phones have a plug for an earphone-microphone jack, many phones do not. In these cases, a user wishing to use a earphone-microphone is relegated to purchase a new mobile phone model. This can be a costly option, particularly if the user has invested in mobile phone accessories (e.g. data cards, leather cases, face plates, chargers, belt clips, etc.) that are adapted only for use the mobile phone considered being replaced.
[0004] There accordingly remains a need for an adapter that permits mobile phones without a earphone-microphone jack to be converted for use with existing earphone-microphone headsets.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mobile phone battery pack with a speaker-microphone jack is provided. The battery pack is adapted to engage with a main unit of the mobile phone, and make electrical contact with earphone and microphone leads on the back of the main unit so as to deliver signals to the earphone and microphone jack.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile phone battery pack with a speaker-microphone jack is provided. The battery pack is adapted to engage with a main unit of the mobile phone, and make electrical contact with the electrical-communication port of the main unit to delivery signals to the earphone and microphone jack.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a mobile phone battery cover with a speaker-microphone jack is provided. The battery cover is adapted to engage with a main unit of the mobile phone, and make electrical contact with the speaker and microphone leads on the back of the main unit to delivery signals to the earphone and microphone jack.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a mobile phone battery cover with a earphone-microphone jack is provided. The battery cover is adapted to engage with a main unit of the mobile phone, and make electrical contact with the electrical-communication port on the main unit to delivery signals to the earphone and microphone jack.
[0009] Standard earphone-microphone units with plugs sized to connect to the jack on the battery packs and battery covers can be used and removed when not needed.
[0010] In lieu of a jack and plug, wireless transceivers can be used to establish communication between the earphone-microphone headset and the battery pack and battery case and then the main unit.
[0011] In the aspects of the invention where the battery pack or battery cover make electrical contact with the electrical-communication port of the main unit, the battery pack or battery cover preferably can have a shape and contour and have a replicate electrical-communication port so that mobile phones equipped with the battery pack or battery cover of the invention can continue to be used with existing battery chargers and hands-free adapters for automobiles.
[0012] The earphone-microphone jack on the battery pack and battery cover may be located on any external surface thereof, but can preferably be located on a side of the battery pack and battery cover for easy access.
[0013] Many of the attendant features of this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts throughout.
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035] Referring to
[0036] Turning to
[0037] Turning next to
[0038]
[0039] Turning to
[0040] Referring to
[0041] Referring to
[0042]
[0043]
[0044]
[0045] Turning now to
[0046] Referring to
[0047] Turning to
[0048]
[0049] Referring to
[0050] Also, while the invention has been described primarily with reference to mobile phones, the battery pack/battery cover can be used for communication devices such as cordless phones for use in wired networks, and the like.
[0051] The drawings and the foregoing description are not intended to represent the only form of the invention in regard to the details of its construction and manner of operation. In fact, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.